Pest Control

Our commitment to our students

Providing a safe living environment for our students and visitors is The University of Maine’s highest priority. Unfortunately, bedbugs have been an increasingly common occurrence in travel over the past few years. We are committed to doing everything possible to manage the impact of this worldwide problem on our campus. The following information should provide students and their families a better understanding of a potential bedbug problem, the actions the University is taking to address this issue, and what you can do to help.

General facts about bed bugs:

  1. Similar to mosquitoes, bugs bite humans to feed on blood.
  2. Bed bugs do not transmit human disease and, therefore, do not present a significant health risk.
  3. They are difficult to see as juveniles; as small as a grain of pepper and translucent.
  4. Adult bed bugs are small, flat, oval, wingless insects (about one-fifth of an inch) that crawl at a steady rate and are visible to the naked eye. They are similar in size to ticks.
  5. Bed bugs are nocturnal, and most active after dark.
  6. Daytime hiding places include crevices, bed frames, mattresses and box springs, behind electrical outlet covers and picture frames, inside drawers of furniture, within pleats of curtains, in clothes discarded on the floor, and in other spaces where they are not easily detected.
  7. These pests are not generally carried on individuals but rather personal possessions.
  8. Bed bugs can be battled safely and successfully if you follow the guidelines given to you by Property Management.

If you believe you have bed bugs:

  1. Do not panic. If you develop a rash that you suspect may have been caused by bites from bed bugs, please schedule an appointment at Northern Light Cutler Health Center for an evaluation at 207.581.4000.
  2. If you suspect that you have seen a bed bug or are unsure of what you have seen, please contact Property Management at 207.581.4444 to inquire about pest control services for your area. Effective management of bedbugs should begin at the first sign of a problem.

Do not:

  1. Do not apply pesticides on your own. Contact Property Management at 207.581.4444 immediately.
  2. Do not move your mattress, furniture, or personal items (backpacks, duffel bags, etc.) out into the hallway. Infested furniture can be cleaned and treated. Placing infested items (especially mattresses) into common areas can spread bed bugs to other rooms or suites.
  3. Do not sleep in a friend’s room or in places off campus. If you have bed bugs, you will only spread them to others.

To learn more:

  1. For further information, please visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension bedbugs page offers more information, as well as a video on how to look for and avoid bedbugs while traveling.
  2. We enlist the local professional pest control services of ProActive Pest Management of Maine. We rely on their expertise, their professional equipment, and their safe but effective pest control solutions for bedbugs or any other insect problems.